SYDNEY 27 August –“I’m not only excited about the opportunity to be leading this great state, but also excited about the relationship between NSW and China and the opportunities we have”, said Mike Baird, Premier of NSW, in a recent interview with People's Daily Online Australia.

In his upcoming visit to China early September, Premier Baird will visit Guangdong province, Shanghai and Beijing, promoting trade between NSW and China, particularly in the areas of tourism, education and financial services.

The relationship between China and New South Wales is getting stronger

Talking about the 35-year sister relationship between NSW and Guangdong province, Mr. Baird said, “That 35 years’ history is an important one, I think it has become symbolically very strong. About 10 percent of the trade between China and Australia comes through Guangdong. Not only are the trade opportunities but also the significant friendship and strategic opportunity going forward. So it’s an increasing trend across all of the industries and economic indicators and that’s one I want to build on.”

Mr. Baird also pointed out that China may provide immense opportunities particularly in tourism. "I think anyone that visits NSW, when you look at our beaches, look at the Blue Mountains, and the wineries in hunter valley. It's an amazing place. I think the more people know about it, the more they will come," he said.

Chinese community plays significant role in New South Wales

Talking about the Chinese community in NSW, Mr. Baird considered it “incredibly important”. “Mandarin is the second most spoken language within NSW. It gives the sense on the size and significance”, he said.

Mr. Baird told People’s Daily Online Australia, “NSW is a multicultural state, but mandarin is predominant, reflecting the increased importance of Chinese community here in NSW. And I think there is a great synergy between China and NSW but obviously Australia in sense of hard work, sort of seeking opportunities through that back of that hard work is something I think it bring these together. There’s a lot of respect within Australia for hardworking nature of Chinese community, and they brought contribution to NSW as it is today."

New South Wales welcomes overseas investment

On the topic of overseas investment, Mr. Baird said: “It is very clear message that we are open for business, we welcome China’s investment.”

“In housing, agriculture and commercial property, we have seen an increasing participation. It is great for the economic. It brings investment, it brings jobs, brings economic growth. So it is very good for us and very good for the local economy,” he said. "As NSW is the new state of business, we are trying to make it the easiest state to do business."

At last, Mr. Baird finished his interview by conveying his sincere wishes to the readers of People’s Daily Online. He mentioned the coming Chinese traditional Mid-Autumn festival which has thousands of years’ history and wished the readers and Chinese people a whole a happy festival. (Ma Xiaolong)